occlusal vertical dimension increase means deliberately raising the “bite height” so the upper and lower jaws meet with a slightly greater vertical separation. It is used to create more space for dental restorations and to help manage problems related to tooth wear or altered bite relationships. Clinicians may achieve it with restorations (like composite or crowns), removable appliances (like a splint), or prostheses (like dentures). The amount and method are planned and individualized, and it varies by clinician and case.

tooth wear management is the structured way dentists assess, monitor, prevent, and treat loss of tooth structure over time. It commonly addresses wear from erosion (acid), attrition (tooth-to-tooth contact), and abrasion (mechanical rubbing). It can include education, protective appliances, and minimally invasive restorations to rebuild worn areas. It is used in general dentistry and restorative dentistry, and often involves long-term review visits.

abfraction is a type of non-carious cervical lesion, meaning tooth structure is lost near the gumline without tooth decay. It often appears as a V-shaped or wedge-like notch at the neck of a tooth. It is discussed in dentistry as being related to stress and flexing forces on teeth during biting. The term is commonly used in clinical exams and charting when evaluating cervical wear and tooth sensitivity.

Dental erosion is the loss of tooth mineral caused by acids that are not produced by bacteria. The acids can come from foods and drinks or from the stomach, and they soften enamel and dentin. In dentistry, erosion is discussed as a type of tooth wear and a risk factor for sensitivity and breakdown. Clinicians use the term to describe patterns of surface loss and to plan monitoring, prevention, or restoration when needed.

abrasion in dentistry means wearing away tooth structure or a surface by mechanical rubbing with an abrasive. It can describe an unwanted type of tooth wear (for example from toothbrushing or habits). It can also describe a clinical technique where dentists use controlled abrasives to clean, roughen, or remove very small amounts of tooth material. It is commonly discussed in preventive care, cosmetic stain management, and minimally invasive restorative dentistry.

attrition is tooth wear caused by tooth-to-tooth contact. It most commonly affects the biting surfaces of back teeth and the edges of front teeth. Dentists use the term when describing wear patterns, bite changes, and loss of tooth structure over time. It is discussed in routine exams, wear-risk assessments, and treatment planning when wear becomes clinically significant.

tooth wear is the gradual loss of tooth structure that is not caused by tooth decay (caries) or trauma. It commonly affects enamel first and may later involve dentin (the softer layer under enamel). The term is used in dental exams to describe patterns of surface loss, sensitivity, and changes in bite or appearance. Clinicians use it to guide diagnosis, risk assessment, and long-term treatment planning.

occlusal disease is a term used in dentistry to describe problems linked to how the teeth contact and how biting forces are distributed. It commonly refers to damage to teeth, restorations, or supporting tissues that may be associated with excessive or unbalanced occlusal forces. In plain terms, it’s “bite-related” stress that may contribute to tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, or restoration failure. The term is most often used during clinical examinations, treatment planning, and discussions about tooth wear or bruxism (clenching/grinding).

TMD is short for *temporomandibular disorders*, a group of conditions involving the jaw joint, chewing muscles, and related structures. It is commonly used in dentistry and medicine to describe jaw pain, joint noises, and limits in jaw movement. TMD is a clinical umbrella term, not a single disease and not a dental material. Clinicians use it to organize diagnosis, documentation, and treatment planning for jaw-related symptoms.

temporomandibular disorder is a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint (the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) and the muscles that move the jaw. It is commonly discussed when people have jaw pain, jaw clicking, or trouble opening or closing the mouth. Dentists, oral medicine clinicians, and other healthcare professionals use the term to describe a pattern of symptoms rather than a single disease. It is used in dental clinics, pain clinics, and sometimes physical therapy settings when evaluating jaw-related discomfort and function.